Several years back, when I was battling bullying at the last nursing job I ever held, I decided to pursue my dream of freelance writing. I knew a little bit about it, because 30 years prior I held a position writing press releases for a small non-profit agency in my hometown. But, the truth is, I didn’t know much of anything about making a full-time living as a writer - and I figured it must involve a lot of selling.
Now, I don't know about you, but...I hate selling. I think I suck at it.
I tried various types of sales jobs and schemes in my youth, and I always felt very uncomfortable cold-calling people and trying to pressure them into buying my product or service.
Ugh.
So I was beyond delighted to figure out that I didn't have to do any high-pressure selling to become a successful freelance writer. Marketing? Sure. I do market my services using my website and some social media. But I've never had to pressure anyone into working with me - because, as I found out, that's not how this industry works.
As I detail in the book, I discovered that editors and clients welcome my emails - because demand is so high for nurse-writers (and there are so few of us) that they do a little jig when I introduce myself to them. That was a relief to find out!
My other concern about trying to make my living as a writer was that...I'd starve to death! I mean, isn't every "artist" a "starving" one??
But I quickly figured out how to eliminate my risk of starving (or losing my house) as I ramped up my freelance business. And my strategy did NOT require me to invest thousands of dollars in software or assistants. Pretty soon, I was making so much money that I quit my nursing job - and never looked back.
This same freelancing model will work for you, too. When you start using it, here's what will happen.
First, you will discover you don’t feel at all anxious about trying out “this writing thing” because you don’t have to give up your steady paycheck, invest thousands of dollars in a crazy business scheme, or feel regretful about putting in some time to make this work.
Next, as you follow the steps, you’ll gain confidence quickly because you’ll know exactly what to do to sell your first article.
And the next thing that'll happen is this: